Guidance on the use of zanamivir, oseltamivir and amantadine for the treatment of influenza.

This guidance has been prepared in the expectation that vaccination against influenza is undertaken in accordance with national guidelines. Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing illness from influenza, and the drugs described in this guidance are not a substitute for vaccination. This guidance does not cover the circumstances of a pandemic, impending pandemic or a widespread epidemic of a new strain of influenza to which there is little or no community resistance. The guidance pertains only to circumstances where it is known that influenza A or influenza B is circulating in the community. Section 1 provides guidance on the use of zanamivir, oseltamivir and amantadine for the treatment of influenza and the remaining document is structured in the following way; guidance on clinical need and practice; technologies; evidence and interpretation; further research; resource implications for the NHS; implementation and audit; related guidance and its review.